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phones and other wireless handsets with the
participation and leadership of FDA scientists and
engineers.The standard, “Recommended Practice for
Determining the Spatial-Peak Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR) in the Human Body Due to Wireless
Communications Devices: Experimental Techniques,”
sets forth the first consistent test methodology for
measuring the rate at which RF is deposited in the
heads of wireless phone users.The test method uses a
tissue-simulating model of the human head.
Standardized SAR test methodology is expected to
greatly improve the consistency of measurements made
at different laboratories on the same phone. SAR is the
measurement of the amount of energy absorbed in
tissue, either by the whole body or a small part of the
body. It is measured in watts/kg (or milliwatts/g) of
matter.This measurement is used to determine whether
a wireless phone complies with safety guidelines.
9. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to
radio frequency energy from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products — and at this point
we do not know that there is — it is probably very
small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even
potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your exposure to radio frequency energy (RF).
Since time is a key factor in how much exposure a
person receives, reducing the amount of time spent
using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless
phone every day, you could place more distance
between your body and the source of the RF, since the
exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. For
example, you could use a headset and carry the
SAFETY
GUIDELINES
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RD6000
with independent investigators.The initial research will
include both laboratory studies and studies of wireless
phone users.The CRADA will also include a broad
assessment of additional research needs in the context
of the latest research developments around the world.
7. How can I find out how much radio frequency
energy exposure I can get by using my wireless
phone?
All phones sold in the United States must comply with
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines
that limit radio frequency energy (RF) exposures.The
FCC established these guidelines in consultation with
the FDA and the other federal health and safety
agencies.The FCC limit for RF exposure from wireless
telephones is set at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of
1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg).The FCC limit is
consistent with the safety standards developed by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)
and the National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurement.The exposure limit takes into
consideration the body’s ability to remove heat from the
tissues that absorb energy from the wireless phone and
is set well below levels known to have effects.
Manufacturers of wireless phones must report the RF
exposure level for each model of phone to the FCC.The
FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/ rfsafety) gives
directions for locating the FCC identification number on
your phone so you can find your phone’s RF exposure
level in the online listing.
8. What has the FDA done to measure the radio
frequency energy coming from wireless phones?
The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
(IEEE) is developing a technical standard for measuring
the radio frequency energy (RF) exposure from wireless
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